Rapids forward Gabriel Torres called up by Panama for final two World Cup Qualifiers

COMMERCE CITY, Colo. (Sunday, October 6, 2013) –Colorado Rapids forward Gabriel Torres has been called up by the Panamanian National Team for upcoming World Cup qualifiers, the final two games in CONCACAF World Cup qualifying. Panama will visit Mexico on October 11 at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City before hosting the United States on October 15 in Panama City.

“Gabriel has continued his strong play with Panama while integrating into our club, and we are pleased that he continues to receive opportunities on the international level,” said Rapids Technical Director Paul Bravo. “We were thrilled to see him get his first goal for the Rapids on Saturday night and hope he continues his recent form as he and Panama attempt to secure a spot in the World Cup.”

Torres, 24, was signed by the Rapids on August 8 as the club’s first-ever Designated Player, and has played has played five matches (three starts) for Colorado since joining the club. He scored his first MLS goal on Saturday night in a 5-1 win over Seattle. A native of Panama City, Torres scored a great goal in his country’s most recent World Cup qualifier, a 2-2 draw with Honduras. He has eight goals in his 42 appearances with his national team.

Panama currently sits tied with Mexico in fourth place with eight points in the CONCACAF standings, behind the already-qualified U.S. and Costa Rica, as well as Honduras, in third place with 11 points. The top three teams from the region will qualify automatically for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, with the fourth place team playing a home-and-home series with New Zealand for an additional spot in the tournament.

The Rapids are back in action this Wednesday against the San Jose Earthquakes, which will be broadcast live on Altitude and kicks off at 8:30 p.m. MT. The Rapids return home on October 19 for Fan Appreciation Night and Colorado’s last home game of the regular season, where they’ll battle Vancouver Whitecaps FC at 4 p.m. MT. Tickets to the match, as well as tickets for potential home playoff matches, are available by calling 303-825-GOAL or visiting www.ColoradoRapids.com.